Conjugated polymers containing spirobifluorene units and the use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to novel conjugated polymers comprising spirobifluorene units and their use in optoelectronic devices, preferably in, for example, displays based on polymeric organic light-emitting diodes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Rule 371 application of PCT/EP02/09628 filed on Aug. 29, 2002 which claims benefit to German application 101 43 353.0 filed Sep. 4, 2001.

The present patent application relates to novel conjugated polymers and their use in optoelectronic devices, preferably in, for example, displays based on polymeric organic light-emitting diodes.

Wide-ranging research on the commercialization of display and lighting elements based on polymeric (organic) light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) has been carried on for about 10 years. This development was achieved by the fundamental developments disclosed in EP 423 283 (WO 90/13148). In contrast to low molecular weight organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), which have already been introduced on the market, as demonstrated by the commercially available car radios with an “organic display” from Pioneer, the PLEDs have still to be introduced on the market. Significant improvements are still necessary to make these displays genuinely competitive or superior to the liquid crystal displays (LCDs) which currently dominate the market.

EP-A-0 423 283, EP-A-0 443 861, WO98/27136, EP-A-1 025 183 and WO 99/24526 disclose polyarylene-vinylene derivatives as conjugated polymeric emitters. EP-A-0 842 208, WO 99/54385, WO 00/22027, WO 00/22026 and WO 00/46321 disclose polyfluorene derivatives as conjugated polymeric emitters. EP-A-0 707 020 and EP-A-0 894 107 disclose polyspirobifluorene derivatives as conjugated polymeric emitters.

For the purposes of the present invention, conjugated polymers are polymers which contain mainly sp²-hybridized carbon atoms, which may also be replaced by appropriate heteroatoms, in the main chain. This is equivalent to the alternating presence of double and single bonds in the main chain. “Mainly” means that naturally occurring defects which lead to interruptions to the conjugation do not invalidate the term “conjugated polymers”. However, the term does not include polymers which contain relatively large amounts of deliberately introduced nonconjugated segments. Furthermore, for the purposes of the present text, the term conjugated is likewise used when, for example, arylamine units and/or particular heterocycles (i.e. conjugation by N, O or S atoms) and/or organometallic complexes (i.e. conjugation via the metal atom) are present in the main chain. In contrast, units such as simple (thio)ether bridges, ester linkages, amide or imide linkages are clearly defined as nonconjugated segments.

The general structure of PLEDs is disclosed in the abovementioned patent applications or patents and is also described in more detail below. Further refinements (for example passive matrix addressing, active matrix addressing) are likewise known but are not of critical importance for the further description of the present patent application. At present, the commercialization of both single-color and multicolor or full-color displays based on PLEDs is being evaluated. While single-color displays may be able to be produced by means of simple coating technologies (e.g. doctor blade coating, spin coating), multicolor and full-color display elements will very probably require the use of printing processes (e.g. ink jet printing, offset printing, gravure printing processes, screen printing processes). However, all these processes require soluble polymers.

Some of the conjugated polymers disclosed in the abovementioned patent applications display good properties for the applications mentioned. Important properties include, in particular, the following:

-   -   High luminous efficiency and energy efficiency when used in         PLEDs.     -   Long operating life when used in PLEDs.     -   Low operating voltage.     -   Good storage stability, both when used in PLEDs and also before         introduction into corresponding devices.     -   Good solubility in organic solvents in order to make an         appropriate coating process possible at all.     -   Reasonable availability to make economical use in mass-produced         products possible.     -   Ability to achieve various colors to make full-color displays         possible.

It has now surprisingly been found that an improved, further-developed novel class of conjugated polymers has very good properties which are superior to the abovementioned prior art. These polymers and their use in PLEDs are subject matter of the present invention.

The invention provides conjugated polymers which comprise units of the formula (I)

together with one or more units selected from the following groups:

-   group 1: units which significantly increase the hole injection or     transport properties of the polymers; -   group 2: units which significantly increase the electron injection     or transport properties of the polymers; -   group 3: units which comprise combinations of individual units of     group 1 and group 2; -   group 4: units which alter the emission characteristics so that     phosphorescence can be obtained instead of fluorescence;     where the symbols and indices have the following meanings: -   X is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     CH, CR¹ or N, -   Z is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case a     single chemical bond, a CR³R⁴ group, a —CR³R⁴—CR³R⁴— group, a     —CR³═CR⁴— group, O, S, N—R⁵, C═O, C═CR³R⁴ or SiR³R⁴; -   R¹ is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain which has from 1     to 22 carbon atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms     may also be replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, O—CO—O, where one or     more H atoms may also be replaced by fluorine, or is an aryl or     aryloxy group which has from 5 to 40 carbon atoms and in which one     or more carbon atoms may also be replaced by O, S or N, which may     also be substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹, or is     Cl, F, CN, N(R⁵)₂, N(R⁵)₃ ⁺, where two or more radicals R¹ may also     together form a ring system; -   R² is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain which has from 1     to 22 carbon atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms     may also be replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, O—CO—O, where one or     more H atoms may also be replaced by fluorine, or is an aryl or     aryloxy group which has from 5 to 40 carbon atoms and in which one     or more carbon atoms may also be replaced by O, S or N which may     also be substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹, or is     CN; -   R³, R⁴ are identical or different on each occurrence and are each H,     a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl chain which has from 1 to 22     carbon atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms may     also be replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, O—CO—O, where one or more H     atoms may also be replaced by fluorine, or are each an aryl group     which has from 5 to 40 carbon atoms and in which one or more carbon     atoms may also be replaced by O, S or N, which may also be     substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹, or are each CN;     where a plurality of adjacent radicals R³ and/or R⁴ may together     also form a ring; -   R⁵ is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     H, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl chain which has from 1 to 22     carbon atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms may     also be replaced by O, S, —CO—O—, O—CO—O, where one or more H atoms     may also be replaced by fluorine, or is an aryl group which has from     5 to 40 carbon atoms and in which one or more carbon atoms may also     be replaced by O, S or N, which may also be substituted by one or     more nonaromatic radicals R¹; -   m is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     0, 1, 2, or 3, preferably 0, 1 or 2, particularly preferably 0 or 1; -   n is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably 0, 1 or 2, particularly preferably 1 or     2; -   with the proviso that repeating units of the formula (I) and units     of groups 1 to 4 together make up at least 40%, preferably at least     60%, particularly preferably at least 80%, of all repeating units in     the polymer and that the ratio of repeating units of the formula (I)     to the sum of those of groups 1 to 4 is in the range from 20:1 to     1:2, preferably from 5:1 to 1:2, particularly preferably from 3:1 to     1:1.

Preferred units of group 1 are those of the formulae (II) to (XIX),

where the symbols R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵ and the indices n and m are as defined under the formula (I) and

-   Ar¹, Ar², Ar³ are identical or different on each occurrence and are     aromatic or heteroaromatic hydrocarbons which have from 2 to 40     carbon atoms and may be substituted by one or more nonaromatic     radicals R¹; preferably substituted or unsubstituted aromatic     hydrocarbons having from 6 to 20 carbon atoms, very particularly     preferably appropriate benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, pyrene or     perylene derivatives; -   o is 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2.

Preferred units of group 2 are those of the formulae (XX) to (XXX),

where the symbols R¹ and indices m and n are as defined under the formula (I) and

-   p is 0, 1 or 2, preferably o or 1.

Preferred units of group 3 are those of the formulae (XXXI) to (XXXXVI),

where the symbols Ar¹, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, Z and the indices m, n and p are as defined under the formula (I) and

-   o is 1, 2 or 3, preferably 1 or 2; -   p is 0, 1 or 2, preferably 0 or 1.

Preferred units of group 4 are those of the formulae (XXXXVII) to (XXXXX),

where the symbols R¹, R³ and the indices m and n are as defined under the formula (I) and

-   M is Rh or Ir -   XX corresponds to the point of linkage in the polymer, -   YY is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     O, S or Se.

Preference is given to polymers according to the invention in which structural units of the formula (I) are present together with structural units of at least two of the groups 1 to 4.

Particular preference is in this case given to the simultaneous presence of units of groups 1 and 2, or 1 and 3, or 1 and 4, or 2 and 3, or 2 and 4, or 3 and 4.

Preference is also given to the simultaneous presence of structures from groups 1 and 2 and 3, or 1 and 2 and 4, or 2 and 3 and 4.

It is thus likewise particularly preferred for units of the formulae (II) to (V) and units of the formulae (XXIV) or (XXVI) to (XXX) to be present simultaneously.

Furthermore, it is likewise preferred for more than one structural unit from one group to be simultaneously present. Thus, preference is given to at least two structural units from group 1, or from group 2, or from group 3, or from group 4 being present simultaneously.

Even when not indicated by the description, it may here be explicitly stated that the structural units of the formula (I) can be unsymmetrically substituted, i.e. different substituents R¹ and/or R² can be present on one unit, or these can also have different positions on each of the two sides.

The synthesis of the corresponding monomers is, for example, described in detail in the abovementioned patent applications and patents.

Thus, for example, monomers which then give structures of the formula (I) in the polymer can be synthesized as described in EP-A-0676461, EP-A-0707020, EP-A-0894107 and the literature references cited therein.

The polymers of the invention are different from the previously known polyspirobifluorenes (as described in EP-A-0 707 020 and EP-A-0 894 107): although these patent applications described polymers which can comprise structures of the formula (I), no mention is made of the formulae (II) to (XXXXX). Although copolymers in which these are present are disclosed, these copolymers comprise, according to the descriptions, mainly arylene or vinylene structures in addition to the structures of the formula (I). The presence of elements of the structures (II) to (XXXXX) brings the following surprising advantages:

-   (1) If structures of the formulae (II) to (XIX) are present,     improved charge injection and transport, especially for holes, is     observed. In use, this leads to a higher current and thus also a     higher luminance being achieved at a given voltage. This is of     critical importance especially for mobile applications (e.g.     displays for mobile telephones, PDAs, etc.), since the maximum     operating voltage is restricted here. For further details, see     Example P1 (comparison: C1-C3); also P2-P19, P21-P23, P25-P32,     P34-P41. -   (2) If structures of the formulae (XX) to (XXX) are present, an     analogous situation is observed for electrons. This can have     advantages similar to those described under (1). If both structures     of the formulae (II) to (XIX) and structures of the formulae (XX)     to (XXX) are present, this can further increase the effect. For     further details, see Examples P12-P24, P40, P41 (comparison: C1-C3). -   (3) Structures of the formulae (XXIX) to (XXXXV) make variation of     the electronic band gap possible, and thus allow alteration of the     color properties. While mainly blue emission is mentioned in the     abovementioned applications, the use of these structures makes it     possible to achieve blue-green, green, yellow, orange and red     emission as well. For further details, see P12-P35, P40, P41     (comparison: C1). -   (4) The structures of the formulae (XXXXVII) to (XXXXX) lead to a     different type of emission (known as phosphorescence) occurring.     This can give a higher quantum efficiency and thus also contribute     to an improvement in corresponding components.

The polymers of the invention generally have from 10 to 10 000, preferably from 50 to 5000, particularly preferably from 50 to 2000, repeating units.

The necessary solubility is ensured, in particular, by the substituents R¹, R³ and/or R⁴. If substituents R² are present, these also contribute to the solubility. To ensure sufficient solubility, it is necessary for on average at least 2 nonaromatic carbon atoms per repeating unit to be present in the substituents. Preference is given to at least 4, particularly preferably at least 8, carbon atoms. Some of these carbon atoms may also be replaced by O or S. This can, however, mean that a certain proportion of repeating units, both of the formulae (I) to (XXXXX) and of other structural types, bear no further nonaromatic substituents.

To prevent morphology of the film being impaired, it is preferred that there are no long-chain substituents having more than 12 carbon atoms in a linear chain, preferably none having more than 8 carbon atoms, particularly preferably none having more than 6 carbon atoms.

Nonaromatic carbon atoms are, as in the description of, for example, R¹, present in appropriate linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chains.

Preference is given to polymers according to the invention in which X=C—H or C—R¹. Preference is also given to polymers according to the invention in which the symbol Z represents a single chemical bond.

Furthermore, preference is given to polymers according to the invention in which:

-   R¹ is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxy chain having from 1 to 8 carbon     atoms, or is an aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which     are also substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; -   n are identical or different and are each 1 or 2.

Furthermore, particular preference is given to polymers according to the invention in which:

-   R¹ is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxy chain having from 1 to 8 carbon     atoms, or is an aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which     are also substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; -   n are identical or different and are each 1 or 2.

Furthermore, preference is given to polymers according to the invention in which:

-   R² is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxy chain having from 1 to 10     carbon atoms, where one or more H atoms may also be replaced by     fluorine, or is an aryl or aryloxy group having from 6 to 14 carbon     atoms, which may also be substituted by one or more nonaromatic     radicals R¹, or is CN; -   m is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case 0     or 1.

Furthermore, particular preference is given to polymers according to the invention in which:

-   R² is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case     a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxy chain having from 1 to 8 carbon     atoms, where one or more H atoms may also be replaced by fluorine,     or is an aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which may also     be substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; -   m is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case 0     or 1, where m is equal to 0 for at least 50%, preferably at least     70%, very particularly preferably at least 90%, of all repeating     units of the formula (I) or (VI) to (XIII) present in the polymer.

Preference is also given to polymers according to the invention in which:

-   R³, R⁴ are identical or different on each occurrence and are each a     linear, branched or cyclic alkyl chain which has from 1 to 10 carbon     atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms may also be     replaced by O, where one or more H atoms may also be replaced by     fluorine, or are each an aryl group which has from 5 to 40 carbon     atoms and in which one or more carbon atoms may also be replaced by     O, S or N, which may also be substituted by one or more aromatic     radicals R¹.

The polymers of the invention are per se copolymers which have at least two different repeating units (one of the formula (I), one selected from among the formulae (II) to (XXXXX). The copolymers of the invention can have random, alternating or block structures, or have a plurality of these structures present in an alternating fashion. However, preference is also given to copolymers according to the invention which have one or more different structures of the formula (I) and/or one or more different structures of the formulae (II) to (XXXXX). The use of a plurality of different structural elements enables properties such as solubility, solid-state morphology, color, charge injection and transport properties, thermal stability, electrooptical characteristics, etc., to be adjusted.

Preferred polymers according to the invention are polymers in which at least one structural element has charge transport properties. For the purposes of the present patent application, such structural elements are as follows: if HOMOPOLYMERS or OLIGOMERS were produced from these structural elements, they would have a higher charge carrier mobility, at least for one charge carrier, i.e. either electrons or holes, as is the case for a polymer consisting exclusively of structural elements of the formula (I). The charge carrier mobility (measured in cm²/(V*s)) is preferably at least a factor of 10 higher, particularly preferably a factor of at least 50 higher.

Structural elements which have hole transport properties are, for example, triarylamine derivatives, benzidine derivatives, tetraarylene-para-phenylenediamine derivatives, phenothiazine derivatives, phenoxazine derivatives, dihydrophenazine derivatives, thianthrene derivatives, benzo-p-dioxin derivatives, phenoxathiine derivatives, carbazole derivatives, azulene derivatives, thiophene derivatives, pyrrole derivatives, furan derivatives and further O, S or N-containing heterocycles having a high HOMO (HOMO=highest occupied molecular orbital); these heterocycles preferably lead to an HOMO in the polymer of less than 5.8 eV (relative to vacuum level), particularly preferably less than 5.5 eV.

Preference is given to polymers according to the invention which further comprise at least one structural unit of the formulae (II) to (XXX). The proportion of these structural elements is at least 1%, preferably at least 5%. The maximum proportion is 50%, preferably 30%. These structural units, too, can be incorporated randomly, in an alternating fashion or as blocks in the polymer.

The way in which the structures are incorporated has already been indicated directly for many of them (cf., for example, formulae (II) to (V) and formulae (XIII) to (XIX)). In the case of other structures, a number of possibilities are in each case possible according to the invention. However, in these cases there are also preferred ways in which they can be incorporated: In the case of the N-containing tricyclic heterocycles (formula (VI) to formula (VIII)), linkage via carbon atoms in the para position relative to the nitrogen (i.e. in the case of phenothiazine and phenoxazine derivatives: 3,7 positions; in the case of dihydrophenazine derivatives: 2,7 or 3,7 positions) is preferred in each case. An analogous situation applies to carbazole derivatives (formula (XII)). On the other hand, in the case of the O- and/or S-containing tricycles (formulae (IX) to (XI)), both ortho and para positions relative to one of the heteroatoms are preferred. In the case of heterocycles in which more than the ring is present, linkage to the polymer via only one ring or via two rings is possible.

Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of formula (II), formula (III), formula (IV) and formula (V) can be synthesized, for example, as described in WO98/06773. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of formula (VI), formula (VII) and formula (VIII) can be synthesized, for example, as described by M. Jovanovic et al., J. Org. Chem. 1984, 49, 1905, and H. J. Shine et al., J. Org. Chem. 1979, 44, 3310. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of formula (IX) and formula (X) can be synthesized, for example, as described in J. Lovell et al., Tetrahedron 1996, 52, 4745, U.S. Pat. No. 4,505,841 and the references cited therein. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of formula (XI) can be synthesized, for example, as described by A. D. Kuntsevich et al., Zh. Obshch. Khim. 1994, 64, 1722, and A. D. Kuntsevich et al., Dokl. Akad. Nauk 1993, 332, 461. Many halogenated monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XII) are known from the literature and some of them are even commercially available. A listing of all possible methods would go beyond the scope of the present patent application. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XIII) can, for example, be synthesized as described by R. H. Mitchell et al., Org. Prep. Proced. Int. 1997, 29, 715. Many halogenated monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XIV) are known from the literature and some of them are even commercially available. A listing of all possible methods would go beyond the scope of the present patent application. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XV) can be synthesized, for example, as described by H. M. Gilow et al., J. Org. Chem. 1981, 46, 2221, and G. A. Cordell, J. Org. Chem. 1975, 40, 3161. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XVI) can be synthesized, for example, as described by M. A. Keegstra et al., Synth. Commun. 1990, 20, 3371, and R. Sornay et al., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 1971, 3, 990, and some of them are also commercially available. Some monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XVII) are commercially available. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XVIII) can be synthesized, for example, as described in JP 63-250385. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XIX) can be synthesized, for example, as described by M. El Borai et al., Pol. J. Chem. 1981, 55, 1659, and some of them are also commercially available. The literature references listed here for the synthesis of monomers which in the polymer give structures of the formulae (II) to (XIX) describe mainly the synthesis of halogen derivatives, preferably bromine derivatives. From these, a person skilled in the art can easily prepare, for example, boronic acid derivatives or stannates. This can be achieved, for example, by metallation (e.g. by means of Mg (Grignard reaction) or Li (e.g. by means of Bu-Li)) and subsequent reaction with appropriate boron or tin derivatives, e.g. trialkyl borates or trialkyltin halides. It is, however, naturally also possible to produce boronic acid derivatives from the corresponding bromides in the presence of transition metal catalysts using boranes or diboranes. There is a great variety of further methods known from the literature and these can naturally also be used by a person skilled in the art.

Structural elements of group 2 are, for example, pyridine derivatives, pyrimidine derivatives, pyridazine derivatives, pyrazine derivatives, oxadiazole derivatives, quinoline derivatives, quinoxaline derivatives, phenazine derivatives and further O-, S- or N-containing heterocycles having a low LUMO (LUMO=lowest unoccupied molecular orbital); these heterocycles preferably lead to an LUMO in the polymer of more than 2.7 eV (relative to vacuum level), particularly preferably more than 3.0 eV.

Preference is given to polymers according to the invention which contain at least one structural unit of the formulae (XX) to (XXX). The proportion of these structural elements is at least one 1%, preferably at least 5%. The maximum proportion is 70%, preferably 50%. These structural units, too, can be incorporated randomly, in an alternating fashion or in blocks in the polymer.

The way in which the structures are incorporated has already been indicated directly for many of them (cf., for example, formulae (XXIV), (XXIX) und (XXX)). In the case of other structures, a number of possibilities are in each case possible according to the invention. However, in these cases there are also preferred ways in which they can be incorporated: In the case of pyridine derivatives, linkage via the 2,5 or 2,6 positions is preferred, in the case of pyrazine and pyrimidine derivatives that via the 2,5 positions is preferred and in the case of pyridazine derivatives that via the 3,6 positions is preferred. In the case of the bicyclic heterocycles, a plurality of linkages are generally possible and also preferred. However, in the case of quinoxaline, linkage via the 5,8 positions is unambiguously preferred.

In the case of phenazine, it may, as indicated, be preferred that linkage occurs via the two outer rings or that incorporation is via only one ring. Preferred positions are therefore incorporation at carbon atoms 1,4 or 2,3 or 2,7 or 3,7. The chemistry of pyridine derivatives (XX) has been examined in great detail. Thus, the preparation of 2,5- and 2,6-dihalopyridines is likewise known. Reference may here be made to the numerous standard works on heterocyclic chemistry. Furthermore, many of the compounds are also commercially available. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XXI) can be synthesized, for example, as described in Arantz et al., J. Chem. Soc. C 1971, 1889. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XXII) can be synthesized, for example, as described in Pedrali et al., J. Org. Synth. 1958, 23, 778. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XXIII) can be synthesized, for example, as described by Ellingson et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1949, 71, 2798. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XXIV) can be synthesized, for example, as described in Stolle et al., J. Prakt. Chem. 1904, 69, 480.

Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XXV) can be synthesized, for example, as described in Metzger, Chem. Ber. 1884, 17, 187, and A. I. Tochilkin et al., Chem. Heterocycl. Compd. (Engl. Transl) 1988, 892. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XXVI) can be synthesized, for example, as described in Calhane et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1899, 22, 457, and T. Yamamoto et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 3930. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formulae (XXVII) and (XXVIII) can be synthesized, for example, as described in L. Horner et al., J. Liebigs Ann. Chem., 1955, 597, 1, and P. R. Buckland et al., J. Chem. Res. Miniprint 1981, 12, 4201. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XXIX) can be synthesized, for example, as described in K. Pilgram et al., J. Heterocycl. Chem. 1970, 7, 629, and WO 00/55927. Monomers for the incorporation of structural units of the formula (XXX) can be synthesized, for example, as described in Hammick et al., J. Chem. Soc. 1931, 3308, and K. Pilgram et al., J. Heterocycl. Chem. 1974, 11, 813. The references cited here for the synthesis of monomers which in the polymer gives structures of the formulae (XX) to (XXX) also describe mainly the synthesis of halogen derivatives, preferably bromine derivatives. Using these as a starting point, a person skilled in the art can, as also described above for the properties which increase hole mobility, carry out further transformations, e.g. to give boronic acid derivatives or stannates.

Furthermore, preference is also given to polymers according to the invention in which units of group 3 are present. Particular preference is accordingly given to polymers according to the invention which comprise both one or more structures of the formulae (II) to (XIX) and one or more structures of the formulae (XX) to (XXX). The abovementioned limits for the respective proportion continue to apply here. It can be very particularly preferred for the polymers of the invention to comprise units in which structures which increase hole mobility and electron mobility follow one another directly or alternate, as is the case, for example, for the formulae (XXXI) to (XXXXV) and is indicated somewhat more generally for the formula (XXXXVI).

Monomers of the formulae (XXXI) to (XXXXVI) can be synthesized by the methods indicated for the formulae (III) to (XXX) by appropriate combination of the appropriate precursors. It may also be pointed out that at least some examples of syntheses are given in the abovementioned patent applications WO 00/46321 and WO 00/55927. Such structures are also reported in, for example, in H. A. M. Mullekom et al., Chem. Eur. J., 1998, 4, 1235. It may be pointed out that the structures of the formulae (XXXI) to (XXXXVI) do not in any way restrict the invention thereto, but it is naturally simple for a person skilled in the art to synthesize suitable combinations of the abovementioned structures (III) to (XIX) or (XX) to (XXX) and to incorporate these into the polymers of the invention.

Preference is also given to copolymers whose emission characteristics have been altered so that phosphorescence takes place instead of fluorescence. This is, in particular, the case when organometallic complexes have been incorporated in the main chain. Particular preference is in this case given to complexes of the d series transition metals, very particularly preferably those of the higher metals of the iron, cobalt and nickel triads, i.e. complexes of ruthenium, osmium, rhodium, iridium, palladium and platinum. Such complexes are frequently able to emit light from excited triplet states, which frequently increases the energy efficiency. The use of such complexes in low molecular weight OLEDs is described, for example, in M. A. Baldo, S. Lamansky, P. E. Burrows, M. E. Thompson, S. R. Forrest, Applied Physics Letters, 1999, 75, 4-6. Nothing has yet been reported about the incorporation of these compounds in polymers. Corresponding monomers are described in the as yet unpublished patent application DE 10109027.7. Such structural elements can also have a substantial influence on the emission color and the energy efficiency of the resulting polymers. Examples for particularly preferred complexes which can be incorporated into the polymers of the invention are the abovementioned compounds of the formulae (XXXXVII) to (XXXXX). The preparation of corresponding monomers is described in the above-mentioned unpublished patent application DE 10109027.7, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure of the present invention.

Preferred copolymers which further comprise additional structural elements in addition to those of the formula (I) and the formulae (II) to (XXXXX) also include ones which comprise at least one further aromatic structure or another conjugated structure which does not come under one of the abovementioned groups, i.e. has little if any influence on the charge carrier mobilities or is not an organometallic complex. Such structural elements can influence the morphology and also the emission color of the resulting polymers.

Preference is given to aromatic structures which have from 6 to 40 carbon atoms or stilbene or bisstyrylarylene derivatives which may each be substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹. Particular preference is given to the incorporation of 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-naphthylene, 1,4- or 9,10-anthracenylene, 1,6- or 2,7- or 4,9-pyrene, 3,9- or 3,10-perylene, 2,7- or 3,6-phenanthrene, 4,4′-biphenylene, 4,4″-terphenylene, 4,4′-bi-1,1′-naphthylene, 4,4′-stilbene or 4,4″-bisstyrylarylene derivatives. These structures are also mentioned in the patent applications EP-A-0 707 020 and EP-A-0 894 107 cited at the outset, but in contrast to the information given there, these are introduced into the present novel polymers only as additional possibilities for obtaining further modifications.

Such structures are widely known in the literature and most are also commercially available. A listing of all possible synthetic variants would go far beyond the scope of the present patent application.

The polymers of the invention are generally prepared by polymerization of two or more monomers of which at least one subsequently gives structures of the formula (I) and at least one more gives structures selected from among the formulae (II) to (XXXXX). There are in principle a relatively large number of different polymerization reactions which can be used, but the types listed below have been found to be particularly useful. In principle, all these reaction types give C—C linkages:

-   (A) Polymerization by the SUZUKI method: Here, monomers used are,     firstly, bishalides and, secondly, bisboronic acids and     corresponding derivatives, or corresponding monohalide-monoboronic     acid derivatives, and these are coupled in the presence of palladium     catalysts and solvents under basic conditions. Reactions of this     type which lead to conjugated polymers have been described many     times. There is a series of proposals for making such reactions     proceed efficiently and lead to high molecular weight polymers;     these are described, inter alia, in the following references: (i) EP     707.020, (ii) EP 842.208, (iii) EP 1.025.142, (iv) WO 00/53656     and (v) in the references cited therein. The corresponding     descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference into the     disclosure of the present patent application. -   (B) Polymerizations by the YAMAMOTO method: Here, exclusively     bishalides are used as monomers. The polymerizations are carried out     in the presence of solvents, a nickel compound, possibly a base and,     if desired, a reducing agent and also further ligands. Reactions of     this type which lead to conjugated polymers have been described     relatively often. There are some proposals for making such reactions     proceed efficiently and lead to high molecular weight polymers;     these are described, inter alia, in the following references: (i) M.     Ueda et al., Macromolecules, 1991, 24, 2694, (ii) T. Yamamoto et     al., Macromolecules 1992, 25, 1214, (iii) T. Yamamoto et al., Synth.     Met. 1995, 69, 529-31, (iv), T. Yamamoto et al., J. Organometallic     Chem. 1992, 428, 223, (v) I. Colon et al., J. Poly. Sci.: Part A:     Poly. Chem. 1990, 28, 367, (vi) T. Yamamoto et al., Macromol. Chem.     Phys. 1997, 198, 341. The corresponding descriptions are hereby     incorporated by reference into the disclosure of the present patent     application. -   (C) Polymerizations by the STILLE method: Monomers used here are,     firstly, bishalides and, secondly, bisstannanes, or corresponding     monohalide-monostannanes, and these are coupled in the presence of     palladium catalysts and solvents, possibly under basic conditions.     Reactions of this type which lead to conjugated polymers have been     described in the literature. However, they have not been examined to     the same extent as the SUZUKI or YAMAMOTO coupling. A conjugated     polymer obtained by STILLE coupling is described, for example, in W.     Schorf et al., J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 1998, 15, 889. A review of the     possibilities and the difficulties of the STILLE reaction is given,     inter alia, in V. Farina, V. Krishnamurthy, W. J. Scott (editors)     “The Stille Reaction” 1998, Wiley, New York, N.Y. The corresponding     descriptions are hereby incorporated by reference into the     disclosure of the present patent application.

After the polymerization (polycondensation) has been carried out, the polymers synthesized firstly have to be separated off from the reaction medium. This is generally achieved by precipitation in a nonsolvent. The polymers obtained subsequently have to be purified, since especially the content of low molecular weight organic impurities and also the ion content or content of other inorganic impurities sometimes have very strong effects on the use properties of the polymers in PLEDs. Thus, low molecular weight constituents can considerably reduce the efficiency and also cause a dramatic deterioration in the operating life. The presence of inorganic impurities has an analogous effect. Suitable purification methods include, firstly, precipitation procedures in which the polymer is repeatedly dissolved and precipitated in a nonsolvent. It is advantageous to pass the polymer solution through a filter in order to separate off undissolved constituents (gel particles) and also dust particles. A further possibility is the use of ion exchangers to lower the content of ions. Stirring a polymer solution with an aqueous solution containing, for example, chelating ligands, can also be helpful. Further organic or inorganic extraction processes, e.g. with solvent/nonsolvent mixtures, or using supercritical CO₂ can also result in considerable improvements here.

The novel polymers obtained in this way can then be used in PLEDs. This is usually done using the following general method, which then naturally has to be adapted appropriately to the specific case:

-   -   A substrate (e.g. glass or a plastic such as specially treated         PET) is coated with a transparent anode material (for example         indium-tin oxide, ITO); the anode is subsequently structured         (e.g. photolithographically) and connected according to the         desired application. It is also possible for the entire         substrate and the appropriate circuitry firstly to be produced         by a quite complicated process to make active matrix control         possible.     -   After this, a conductive polymer, e.g. a doped polythiophene or         polyaniline derivative, is generally firstly applied either over         the entire area or only to the active (=anodic) places. This is         generally carried out by coating methods in which a dispersion         of the appropriate polymer is applied. This can in principle be         carried out using the methods described below for the         light-emitting polymer. The thickness of this polymer layer can         vary within a wide range, but for practical use will be in the         range from 10 to 1000 nm, preferably from 20 to 500 nm.     -   A solution of a polymer according to the invention is then         applied, depending on the intended use. For multicolor or         full-color displays, a plurality of different solutions are then         applied in various regions to produce appropriate colors. The         polymers of the invention are for this purpose firstly dissolved         individually (it can also be advisable to use blends of two or         more polymers) in a solvent or solvent mixture, possibly         mechanically after-treated and subsequently filtered. Since the         organic polymers and especially the interfaces in the PLED are         sometimes extremely sensitive to oxygen or other constituents of         the air, it is advisable to carry out this operation under         protective gas. Suitable solvents include aromatic liquids such         as toluene, xylenes, anisole, chlorobenzene, and also others         such as cyclic ethers (e.g. dioxane, methyldioxane) or amides,         for example NMP or DMF, and also solvent mixtures, as are         described in the unpublished patent application DE 10111633.0.     -    The above-described supports can then be coated with the         solutions, either over their entire area, e.g. by spin coating         or doctor blade techniques, or else in a resolved manner by         means of printing processes such as ink jet printing, offset         printing, screen printing processes, gravure printing processes,         and the like. These abovementioned solutions are novel and are         thus likewise subject matter of the present invention.     -   If desired, electron injection materials can then be applied to         these polymer layers, e.g. by vapor deposition or from solution         using methods as have been described for the emitting polymers;         As electron injection materials, it is possible to use, for         example, low molecular weight compounds such as triarylborane         compounds or aluminum trishydroxyquinolinate (Alq₃) or         appropriate polymers such as polypyridine derivatives and the         like. It is also possible to convert thin layers of the emitting         polymers into electron injection layers by appropriate doping.     -   A cathode is subsequently applied by vapor deposition. This is         generally carried out by means of a vacuum process and can, for         example, be achieved either by thermal vapor deposition or by         plasma spraying (sputtering). The cathode can be applied over         the entire area or in a structured fashion by means of a mask.         As cathode, use is generally made of metals having a low work         function, e.g. alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and f series         transition metals, e.g. Li, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Yb, Sm, or else         aluminum or alloys of metals, or multilayer structures         comprising various metals. In the latter case, metals having a         relatively high work function, e.g. Ag, can be concomitantly         used. It can also be preferred to introduce a very thin         dielectric layer (e.g. LiF or the like) between the metal and         the emitting polymer or the electron injection layer. The         cathodes generally have a thickness of from 10 to 10 000 nm,         preferably from 20 to 1000 nm.     -   The PLEDs or displays produced in this way are subsequently         provided with appropriate electrical connections and         encapsulated, and then tested or used.

As described above, the polymers of the invention are especially useful as electroluminescence materials in the PLEDs or displays produced in the manner described.

For the purposes of the invention, electroluminescence materials are materials which can be used as active layer in a PLED. Active layer means, in the present context, that the layer is capable of emitting light (light-emitting layer) on application of an electric field and/or that it improves the injection and/or transport of the positive and/or negative charges (charge injection layer or charge transport layer).

The invention therefore also provides for the use of a polymer according to the invention in a PLED, in particular as electroluminescence material.

The invention thus likewise provides a PLED having one or more active layers of which at least one comprises one or more polymers according to the invention. The active layer can, for example, be a light-emitting layer and/or a transport layer and/or a charge injection layer.

PLEDs are employed, for example, as self-illuminating display elements such as control lamps, alphanumeric displays, multicolor or full-color displays, information signs and in optoelectronic couplers.

The present description and the examples below describe the use of polymers according to the invention or blends of polymers according to the invention in PLEDs and the corresponding displays. Despite this restriction of the description, a person skilled in the art will easily be able, without making a further inventive step, to utilize the polymers of the invention for further applications in other electronic devices, e.g. for organic integrated circuits (O-ICs), in organic field effect transistors (OFETs), in organic thin film transistors (OTFTs), for organic solar cells (O-SCs) or organic laser diodes (O-lasers), to name only a few applications.

The present invention is illustrated by the following examples without being restricted thereto. A person skilled in the art will be able, on the basis of the description and the examples provided, to prepare further solutions according to the invention and employ these for producing layers without having to make an inventive step.

Part A: Synthesis of the Monomers:

A1: Monomers for Units of the Formula (I) (Spiro Compounds)

A1.1. Preparation of Symmetrical Spiro Monomers

Preparation of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-SY1) and the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid (S-SY2) Preparation of 2,7-dibrom-2′,7′-di-tert-butylspirobifluorene (S-SY3) Preparation of the glycol ester of 2′,7′-di-t-butylspirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid (S-SY4)

The synthesis is described in the unpublished German patent application DE 10114477.6.

A1.2. Preparation of Unsymmetrical Spiro Monomers

The preparation of the unsymmetrical spirobifluorene monomers was carried out according to the following scheme:

The synthesis will be described in detail for the monomer S-US1; the further monomers were prepared by an analogous method.

Preparation of 2,7-dibromo-8′-t-butyl-5′-(4″-t-butylphenyl)-2′,3′-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-US1) Preparation of 5′-t-butyl-2′-(4″-t-butylphenyl)-2,3-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)biphenyl

205.5 g (0.595 mol) of 2-bromo-4,4′-di-t-butylbiphenyl, 188.7 g (0.641 mol) of 3,4-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)benzeneboronic acid and 177.2 g (1.282 mol) of K₂CO₃ were suspended in 840 ml of toluene and 840 ml of H₂O and the mixture was saturated with N₂ for 1 hour. 1.48 g (1.28 mmol) of Pd(PPh₃)₄ were subsequently added under protective gas and the mixture was stirred vigorously under reflux for about 8 hours under a blanket of protective gas. 630 ml of 1% strength NaCN solution were added and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The organic phase was washed three times with water, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and subsequently evaporated completely on a rotary evaporator. This gave 300.2 g (98%) of a light-brown oil which, according to ¹H NMR, had a purity of 97% and was used directly in the subsequent reaction.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=7.5-7.3 (m, 3H); 7.23 (m, 2H); 7.08 (m, 2H); 6.81-6.87 (m, 2H); 6.51 (d, 1H); 3.87-3.7 (m, 2H, OCH₂); 3.44-3.30 (m, 2H, OCH₂); 1.88 (m, 1H, H—C); 1.71 (m, 1H, H—C); 1.62-1.42 (m, 2H, CH₂); 1.39 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); 1.29 (s, 9H, C(CH₃)₃); 1.10-1.33 (m, 4H, CH₂); 1.07-0.83 (m, 12H, 4×CH₃).

Preparation of 2-bromo-5′-t-butyl-2′-(4″-t-butylphenyl)-4,5-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)biphenyl

300.2 g (0.583 mol) of 5′-t-butyl-2′-(4″-t-butylphenyl)-2,3-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)biphenyl were dissolved in 500 ml of ethyl acetate under protective gas and cooled to 0° C. 103.8 g (0.583 mol) of N-bromosuccinimide were then added as a solid and the mixture was warmed to room temperature. The reaction was complete after 1 hour. The organic phase was washed three times with water, dried, evaporated on a rotary evaporator and subsequently recrystallized from ethanol. This gave 294.1 g (85%) of a colorless solid which had a purity of >99% according to ¹H-NMR and of 99.7% according to HPLC.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=7.45-7.35 (m, 3H); 7.19 (m, 2H); 7.06 (m, 3H); 6.50 (d, 1H); 3.87-3.70 (m, 2H, OCH₂); 3.55-3.25 (m, 2H, OCH₂); 1.88 (m, 1H, H—C); 1.67 (m, 1H, H—C); 1.62-1.42 (m, 1H, CH₂); 1.38 (s+m, 10H, C(CH₃)₃+1H); 1.27 (s+m, 10H, C(CH₃)₃+1H); 1.15 (m, 1H, CH₂); 1.12 (d, 3H, CH₃); 0.95 (t, 3H, CH₃); 0.9-0.8 (m, 6H, 2×CH₃).

Preparation of 2,7-dibromo-8′-t-butyl-5′-(4″-t-butylphenyl)-2′,3′-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-US1)

294 g (0.495 mol) of 2-bromo-5′-t-butyl-2′-(4″-t-butylphenyl)4,5-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)biphenyl were dissolved in 700 ml of distilled THF. 12.4 g (0.510 mol) of magnesium turnings and a few crystals of iodine were placed in a flask kept under protective gas. The mixture was heated briefly and 10% of the amount of starting material in THF was added. After the reaction had started, the remainder was added at such a rate that the reaction mixture refluxed without further introduction of heat (one hour). The mixture was refluxed for a further 3 hours and a further 100 ml of distilled THF were then added. A suspension of 189.7 g (561.2 mmol) of 2,7-dibromfluoren-9-one in 500 ml of distilled THF was cooled to 0° C. The Grignard solution was then added dropwise to the suspension at a temperature of 0-5° C. The mixture was subsequently refluxed for 90 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was admixed with a mixture of 600 ml of ice water, 33.2 ml of HCl and 900 ml of ethyl acetate and the organic phase was washed twice with NaHCO₃ solution and water, subsequently dried and evaporated on a rotary evaporator. This light-brown oil was heated to boiling with 3000 ml of glacial acetic acid and 21 ml of 37% hydrochloric acid under protective gas, resulting in precipitation of a colorless solid. The mixture was heated for another 2 hours, cooled to RT, the solid was filtered off with suction and washed with 1500 ml of glacial acetic acid. A single recrystallization from 2-butanone gave 310.1 g (75%) of the product, which had a purity of >99.5% according to ¹H-NMR and of 99.8% according to HPLC.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=7.67 (d, 2H); 7.55 (d, 2H); 7.53-7.43 (m, 5H); 7.26 (d, 1H); 6.97 (s, 1H); 6.27 (s, 1H); 5.60 (s, 1H), 3.40-3.21 (m, 4H, OCH₂); 1.67-1.55 (m, 2H, H—C); 1.42 (s+m, 1H, C(CH₃)₃+2H); 1.19-1-01 (m, 2H); 1.27 (s+m, 10H, C(CH₃)₃+1H); 1.15 (m, 1H, CH₂); 1.12 (d, 3H, CH₃); 0.95 (t, 3H, CH₃); 0.82 (s+m, 21H, 1×C(CH₃)₃+4×CH₃).

The further monomers are summarized in the following table:

Total yield at the end Purity according to Starting aryl of the above HPLC Monomer bromide scheme [%] [%] S-US1

62.5 99.8 S-US2

60.3 99.6 S-US3

27.8 99.8 (as a mixtureof 2 isomers in aratio of about70/30) S-US4

44.2 99.3

To give an overview, the monomers of the formula (I) whose preparation is carried out here are summarized below:

A2: Monomers for Units of the Formulae (II) to (V) (Triarylamines, Phenylenediamine Derivatives and Tetraarylbenzidines)

Preparation of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzidine (AM1) Preparation of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)benzidine (AM2) Preparation of 4,4′-dibromotriphenylamine (AM3)

The synthesis is described in the unpublished German patent application DE 10114477.6.

To give an overview, the monomers of the formulae (II) to (V) whose preparation is carried out here are summarized below:

A3: Monomers for Units of the Formula (XXVI)

The preparation of substituted quinoxaline monomers was carried out according to the following scheme:

Preparation of 5,8-dibromodiphenylquinoxaline (CH-b)

A solution of 5.3 g (20 mmol) of 3,6-dibromo-1,2-phenylenediamine 1, 4 g (19 mmol) of benzil 2b, 4.2 g of sodium acetate and 150 ml of glacial acetic acid were refluxed for 4 hours. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with 100 ml of water and recrystallized twice from dioxane. Drying under reduced pressure at 50° C. gave the pure product in the form of colorless crystals, which according to HPLC had a purity of about 99.5%. The yield was 6.45 g (73%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=7.92 (s, 2H), 7.67 (d, ³J_(HH)=1.67 Hz, 2H), 6.66 (d, ³J_(HH=)1.67 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (m, 6H).

The other quinoxaline monomers CH-a and CH-c to CH-m were prepared in an analogous manner. The individual quinoxaline monomers are indicated in the scheme above.

A4: Monomers for Units of the Formulae (XXIX) and (XXX)

Preparation of 4,7-dibromobenzo[1,2,5]thiadiazole (N2S-1) Preparation of 4,7-dibromobenzofurazone (N2O-1)

The synthesis described in the unpublished German application DE 10114477.6.

To give a better overview, the monomers described, of the formulae (XXIX) and (XXX), are depicted below.

A5: Monomers for Units of the Formulae (XXXI) to (XXXXVI)

Such monomers were prepared according to the following scheme:

Preparation of bis-4,7-(2′-bromo-5′-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (N2S-1)-T2-Br2 Preparation of bis-4,7-(thien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole

13.5 g (11.7 mmol, 0.065 eq.) of Pd(PPh₃)₄ were added to a nitrogen-saturated mixture consisting of 52.92 g (180 mmol) of 1′,4′-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, 60 g (468.9 mmol, 2.6 eq.) of thiophene-2-boronic acid, 149 g (702 mmol, 3.9 eq.) of K₃PO₄, 1 l of dioxane and 1 l of water and the suspension was heated at 80° C. for 7 hours. 0.8 g of NaCN was then added and the aqueous phase was separated off. The organic phase was washed twice with H₂O and subsequently dried over Na₂SO₄. The solvent was removed and the residue was recrystallized twice from CH₂Cl₂/MeOH to give dark red needles which according to HPLC had a purity of about 99%. The yield was 43 g (80%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=8.11 (dd, ³J_(HH)=3.68 Hz, 2H), 7.89 (s, 2H), 7.46 (dd, ³J_(HH)=5.2 Hz, 2H), 7.21 (dd, ³J_(HH)=5.2 Hz, 2H).

Preparation of bis-4,7-(2′-bromo-5′-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (N2S-1)-T2-Br2

9.51 g (54 mmol) of N-bromosuccinimide were added to a solution of 7.72 g (25.7 mmol) of bis-4,7-(thien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazoline in 770 ml of chloroform over a period of 15 minutes at RT in a protective gas atmosphere and with exclusion of light. The mixture was stirred for 6 hours, and 80 ml of saturated Na₂CO₃ solution were subsequently added, the organic phase was separated off and dried over Na₂SO₄. After removal of the solvent, the residue was recrystallized from DMF/EtOH. Drying at 50° C. under reduced pressure gave the product in the form of yellow-orange crystals which according to HPLC had a purity of about 99.6%. The yield was 10 g (85%).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): [ppm]=8.17 (s, 2H), 7.95 (d, ³J_(HH)=4.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.40 (d, ³J_(HH)=4.2 Hz, 2H).

The compounds (CH-a to CH-m, 5, 6)-T2-Br2 could be prepared analogously.

Preparation of 4-bromo-7-(2′-bromo-5′-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (N2S-1)-T1-Br2 Preparation of 4-bromo-7-(thien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole

6.75 g (5.85 mmol, 0.032 eq.) of Pd(PPh₃)₄ were added to a nitrogen-saturated mixture consisting of 52.92 g (180 mmol) of 1′,4′-dibromo-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, 30 g (234.4 mmol, 1.3 eq.) of thiophene-2-boronic acid, 74.5 g (351 mmol, 1.95 eq.) of K₃PO₄, 2 l of dioxane and 2 l of water and the suspension was heated at 80° C. for seven hours. 0.8 g of NaCN were then added and the aqueous phase was separated off. The organic phase was washed twice with H₂O and subsequently dried over Na₂SO₄. The solvent was removed and the residue was recrystallized twice from CH₂Cl₂/MeOH to give dark red needles which according to HPLC had a purity of about 99%. The yield was 30 g (60%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=8.01 (d, ³J_(HH)=3.9 Hz, 2H), 7.79 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 2H), 6.64 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (dd, ³J_(HH)=5.2 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (dd, ³J_(HH)=5.2 Hz, 2H).

Preparation of 4-bromo-7-(2′-bromo-5′-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (N2S-1)-T1-Br2

2.1 g (11.38 mmol) of N-bromosuccinimide were added to a solution of 2.93 g (9.9 mmol) of 4-bromo-7-(thien-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazoline in 250 ml of chloroform and 150 ml of ethyl acetate over a period of 15 minutes at RT in a protective gas atmosphere and with exclusion of, light. The mixture was stirred for 6 hours, and 50 ml of saturated Na₂CO₃ solution were subsequently added, the organic phase was separated off and dried over Na₂SO₄. After removal of the solvent, the residue was recrystallized from DMF/EtOH. Drying at 50° C. under reduced pressure gave the dibromo compound in the form of yellow-orange crystals which according to HPLC had a purity of about 99.6%. The yield was 3.2 g (87%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=8.07 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, ³J_(HH)=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.38 (d, ³J_(HH)=4.0 Hz, 1H).

The compounds (CH-a to CH-m, 5, 6)-T1-Br2 could be prepared analogously.

A6: Preparation of Further Monomers which can be Used in Copolymers:

Preparation of 1-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-4-methoxy-2,5-bis(4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxystyryl)-benzene (MX-1)

10.5 g (19.5 mmol) of 1-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-4-methoxy-2,5-methylenephosphonate were dissolved in 85 ml of dry DMF and admixed under nitrogen with 2.4 g (43 mmol) of NaOMe and subsequently with 10.6 g (43 mmol) of 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde. The orange suspension was stirred at RT for 5 hours, poured into water, the yellow precipitate was filtered off, washed with MeOH and n-hexane and recrystallized twice from toluene/hexane. This gave 11.8 g (83%) of the bisphenylenevinylene as yellow needles having a purity of 99.8%, determined by RP-HPLC.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=7.43 (m, 4H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 7.17 (s, 1H), 7.14 (s, 2H), 7.10 (s, 2H), 3.97 (m, 2H), 3.93 (s, 3H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 6H), 1.81 (m, 1H), 1.61 (m, 4H), 1.35 (m, 4H), 0.98 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.4 Hz, 3H), 0.89 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.3 Hz, 3H).

Preparation of 2,3,6,7-tetra-(2-methylbutyloxy)-2′,7′-(4-bromostyryl)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (MX-2)

12.8 g (13.8 mmol) of 2,3,6,7-(2-methylbutyloxy)-9,9′-spirobifluorene-2′,7′-methylenephosphonate were dissolved in 60 ml of dry DMF, and 1.7 g of NaOMe and 5.6 g (30.4 mmol) of bromobenzaldehyde in 20 ml of dry DMF were added one after the other. The mixture was heated at 90° C. for 6 hours, subsequently poured into water, the precipitate was filtered off with suction, washed with H₂O, MeOH and hexane and recrystallized twice from toluene/hexane. This gave the spirobifluorene in the form of yellow platelets having a purity of 99.7%, determined by RP-HPLC.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz): [ppm]=7.78 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.7 Hz, 2H, spiro), 7.49 (dd, ³J_(HH)=8.0 Hz, ⁴J_(HH)=1.4 Hz, 2H, spiro), 7.40 (d, ³J_(HH)=9.0 Hz, 4H phenylene), 7.26 (m, 6H, phenylene, spiro), 6.91 (2 d, ³J_(HH)=16.1 Hz, 4H, olefin), 6.88 (s, 2H, spiro), 6.2 (s, 2H, spiro), 3.95 (m, 4H, CH₂), 3.55 (m, 4H, CH₂), 1.95 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.75 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.64 (m, 2H, CH), 1.48 (m, 2H, CH), 1.34 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.18 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.09 (d, ³J_(HH)=6.7 Hz, 6H, CH₃), 0.99 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.3 Hz, 6H, CH₃), 0.93 (d, ³J_(HH)=9.7 Hz, 6H, CH₃), 0.86 (t, ³J_(HH)=7.5 Hz, 6H, CH₃).

Preparation of 1,4-dibromo-2,5-(4-fluorostyryl)benzene (MX-3)

15.3 g of 1,4-dibromobenzene-2,5-methylenephosphonate were dissolved in 60 ml of DMF, 3.3 g (60 mmol) of NaOMe were added and a solution of 7.1 g (57 mmol) in 10 ml of DMF was subsequently added dropwise with evolution of heat. After 10 minutes, the yellow solution was poured into water and the yellow, felt-like solid was filtered off with suction and washed with water, MeOH and hexane. The solid was recrystallized three times from CHCl₃ to give 10 g (70%) of yellow needles having a purity of 99.9% (RP-HPLC).

¹H NMR (d₂-tetrachloroethane 500 MHz): [ppm]=7.85 (s, 2H, dibromophenyl), 7.53 (m, 4H, phenylene), 7.28 (d, ³J_(HH)=16.1 Hz, 2H, olefin), 7.09 (m, 4H, phenylene), 7.04 (d, ³J_(HH)=16.1, Hz, 2H, olefin).

Preparation of 2,7-dibromo-2,7′-N,N-diphenylamino-9,9′-spirobifluorene (MX-4)

(A) 2,7-Diiodo-2′,7′-dibromo-9,9′-spirobifluorene:

92.0 g (194.1 mmol) of 2,7-dibromospirobifluorene were dissolved in 200 ml of CHCl₃, after which 100.1 g (233 mmol) of bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodobenzene and 59.0 g of 12 were added and the mixture was stirred at RT under nitrogen for 12 hours. The suspension was filtered, the residue was washed with CHCl₃ and recrystallized twice from 1,4-dioxane. The yield of the diiodated spirobifluorene was 121.4 g (86%) at a purity of >99% (¹H-NMR).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): 8.04 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.88 (d, ³J_(HH)=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.82 (dd, ³J_(HH)=7.9 Hz, ⁴J_(HH)=1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (dd, ³J_(HH)=8.3 Hz, ⁴J_(HH)=1.9 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (d, ⁴J_(HH)=1.2 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (d, ⁴J_(HH)=1.5 Hz, 2H).

(B) 2,7-Dibromo-2′,7′-N,N-diphenylamino-9,9′-spirobifluorene (MX4)

30.0 g (41 mmol) of 2,7-diiodo-2′,7′-dibromo-9,9′-spirobifluorene and 15.1 g (93 mmol) of diphenylamine were dissolved in toluene and the solution was saturated with N₂, after which 93 mg (0.41 mmol) of Pd(OAc)₂, 167 mg (0.82 mmol) of tris-o-tolylphosphine and 11 g (115 mmol) of NaO^(t)Bu were added in succession and the resulting suspension was heated at 70° C. for 12 hours. After this time, 20 ml of 1% strength NaCN solution were added dropwise, the mixture was stirred for 2 hours and the solid which precipitated was filtered off with suction. The solid was washed with H₂O and EtOH and recrystallized three times with toluene. This gave is 21.7 g (65%) of the diamine in the form of colorless crystals having a purity of 99.6% (RP-HPLC).

¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 500 MHz): [ppm]=7.83 (m, 4H, spiro), 7.56 (dd, ³J_(HH)=8.1 Hz, ⁴J_(HH)=2.0 Hz, 2H, spiro), 7.18 (m, 8H, N-phenyl), 6.96 (m, 6H, N-phenyl, spiro), 6.88 (m, 10H, N-phenyl, spiro), 6.19 (d, ⁴J_(HH)=2.0 Hz, 2H, spiro).

To give a better overview, the monomers described in A6 are depicted below:

Part B: Preparation of the Polymers

Copolymerization of 87.5 mol % of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′, 6′, 7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)-spirobifluorene (S-SY1) and 12.5 mol % of N,N′-bis(4-bromo)phenyl-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzidine (AM1) by Yamamoto Coupling (Polymer P1)

1.53 g (5.57 mmol) of Ni(COD)₂ and 0.87 g (5.57 mmol) of 2,2′-bipyridyl were introduced under argon into a Schlenk vessel. 25 ml of dimethylformamide and 80 ml of toluene were added and the mixture was heated to 80° C. After 30 minutes, firstly 0.379 g (3.51 mmol, 0.43 ml) of 1,5-cyclooctadiene and then a solution of 1.768 g (2.11 mmol) of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-SY1) and 0.183 g (0.242 mmol) of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)-benzidine (AM1) in 20 ml of toluene were added. After 144 hours, the mixture was cooled, 5 ml of HCl in dioxane were added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. 50 ml of chloroform were added and the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. The organic phase was washed twice with 100 ml each time of 5M HCl and once with 100 ml of saturated NaHCO₃ solution. The solution was precipitated in 450 ml of methanol and the crude polymer was filtered off with suction. It was reprecipitated twice from 100 ml of THF/150 ml of methanol in each case. This gave 1.30 g (2.24 mmol, 83%) of fibrous, light-yellow polymer P1.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): [ppm]=7.7-6.7 (m, 9.4H, spiro, TAD); 6.2-6.0 (m, 2H, spiro); 4.0-3.2 (2×m, 7.2H, OCH₂); 1.9-0.7 (m, alkyl H, including t-butyl at 1.30). GPC: THF; 1 ml/min, Plgel 10 μm Mixed-B 2×300×7.5 mm², 35° C., RI detection: Mw=155 000 g/mol, Mn=53 000 g/mol

Copolymerization of 50 mol % of the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic Acid (S-SY2), 40 mol % of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-SY1) and 10 mol % of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzidine (AM1) by Means of the Suzuki Reaction (polymer P2).

8.0065 g (1-0.00 mmol) of the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid (S-SY2), 6.5499 g (8.00 mmol) of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-SY1), 1.5173 g (2.00 mmol) of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzidine (AM1), 9.67 g (42 mmol) of K₃PO₄.H₂O, 30 ml of toluene, 15 ml of water and 0.25 ml of ethanol were degassed for 30 minutes by passing N₂ through the mixture. 175 mg (0.15 mmol) of Pd(PPh₃)₄ were subsequently added under protective gas. The suspension was stirred vigorously under a blanket of N₂ at an internal temperature of 87° C. (gentle reflux). After 4 days, a further 0.30 g of the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid was added. After heating for a further 6 hours, 0.3 ml of bromobenzene was added and the mixture was refluxed for another 3 hours. The reaction solution was diluted with 200 ml of toluene and was then stirred with 200 ml of 2% strength aqueous NaCN solution for 3 hours. The mixture became virtually colorless during this time. The organic phase was washed with H₂O and precipitated by dropwise addition to 800 ml of ethanol. The polymer was dissolved in 200 ml of THF at 40° C. over a period of 1 hour, precipitated with 250 ml of MeOH, washed and dried under reduced pressure. The solid was reprecipitated once more in 200 ml of THF/250 ml of methanol, filtered off with suction and dried to constant mass. This gave 12.25 g (18.8 mmol, 94%) of the polymer P2 as a light-yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): [ppm]=7.7-6.7 (m, 9.4H, spiro, TAD); 6.2-6.0 (m, 2H, spiro); 4.0-3.2 (2×m, 7.2H, OCH₂); 1.9-0.7 (m, alkyl H, including t-butyl at 1.30). GPC: THF; 1 ml/min, PLgel 10 μm Mixed-B 2×300×7.5 mm², 35° C., RI detection: Mw=124 000 g/mol, Mn=39 000 g/mol.

Example P3 Copolymerization of 50 mol % of the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′, 6′, 7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid (S-SY2), 30 mol % of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-SY1), 10 mol % of 5,8-dibromodiphenylquinoxaline (CH-b) and 10 mol % of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzidine (AM1) by means of the Suzuki Reaction (Polymer P13).

4.9124 g (6.00 mmol) of the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid (S-SY2), 8.0065 g (10.00 mmol) of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-SY1), 0.8803 g (2.00) of 5,8-dibromodiphenylquinoxaline (CH-b), 1.5173 g (2.00 mmol) of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzidine (AM1), 9.67 g (42 mmol) of K₃PO₄.H₂O, 30 ml of toluene, 15 ml of water and 0.25 ml of ethanol were degassed for 30 minutes by passing N₂ through the mixture. 175 mg (0.15 mmol) of Pd(PPh₃)₄ were subsequently added under protective gas. The suspension was stirred vigorously under a blanket of N₂ at an internal temperature of 87° C. (gentle reflux). After 4 days, a further 0.30 g of the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid was added. After heating for a further 6 hours, 0.3 ml of bromobenzene was added and the mixture was refluxed for another 3 hours. The reaction solution was diluted with 200 ml of toluene and stirred with 200 ml of 2% strength aqueous NaCN solution for 3 hours. The mixture became virtually colorless during this time. The organic phase was washed with H₂O and precipitated by adding it dropwise to 800 ml of ethanol. The polymer was dissolved in 200 ml of THF at 40° C. over a period of 1 hour, precipitated with 250 ml of MeOH, washed and dried under reduced pressure. The solid was reprecipitated once more in 200 ml of THF/250 ml of methanol, filtered off with suction and dried to constant mass. This gave 17.8 g (18.6 mmol, 93%) of the polymer P13 as a light-yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): [ppm]=7.8-6.7 (m, 9.6H, spiro, TAD); 6.4-6.0 (m, 2H, spiro); 4.0-3.4 (2×m, 6.4H, OCH₂); 1.9-0.7 (m, alkyl H, including t-butyl at 1.30). GPC: THF; 1 ml/min, PLgel 10 μm Mixed-B 2×300×7.5 mm², 35° C., RI detection: Mw=54 000 g/mol, Mn=22 000 g/mol.

Example P4 Copolymerization of 50 mol % of the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′, 6′, 7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid (S-SY2), 30 mol % of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′, 6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-SY1), 10 mol % of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzidine (AM1) and 10 mol % of 2,3,6,7-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)-2′,7′-(4-bromostyryl)-9,9-spirobifluorene (MX-2) by Means of the Suzuki Reaction (Improved Version) (Polymer P35*)

Polymerization Method as Described in the Unpublished Patent Application DE 10159946.3:

16.0131 g (20.00 mmol) of the ethylene glycol ester of 2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyl-oxy)spirobifluorene-2,7-bisboronic acid (S-SY2), 9.8249 g (12.00 mmol) of 2,7-dibromo-2′,3′,6′,7′-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)spirobifluorene (S-SY1), 3.0346 g (4.00 mmol) of N,N′-bis(4-bromophenyl)-N,N′-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzidine (AM1), 4.0923 g (4.00 mmol) of 2,3,6,7-tetra(2-methylbutyloxy)-2′,7′-(4-bromostyryl)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (MX-2), 19.57 g (85 mmol) of K₃PO₄.H₂O, 250 ml of toluene, 250 ml of dioxane, 40 ml of water were degassed for 30 minutes by passing argon through the mixture. A mixture of 2.25 mg (0.01 mmol) of PdAc₂ and 18.3 mg (0.06 mmol) of P(o-tolyl)₃ in 1 ml of toluene was subsequently added under protective gas. The suspension was stirred vigorously under a blanket of argon for about 5 hours under gentle reflux. During this time, the reaction mixture became viscous and displayed a bluish fluorescence. 118 mg (0.4 mmol) of 3,4-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)benzeneboronic acid in 150 ml of toluene were subsequently added and the mixture was refluxed for another one hour. Finally, 165 mg (0.5 mmol) of 3,4-bis(2-methylbutyloxy)-bromobenzene in a further 100 ml were added and the mixture was refluxed for another one hour. The reaction mixture was cooled, the aqueous phase was separated off and was subsequently stirred twice with 250 ml each time of a 5% strength sodium diethyldithiocarbamate solution in water at 60° C. It was subsequently stirred three times with 250 ml each time of water, diluted with 750 ml of THF and the crude polymer was finally precipitated by addition of 2 l of methanol. This was purified further by being reprecipitated twice from THF (1% strength solution) in methanol. Final purification was carried out by Soxhlet extraction with methanol/THF (1:1) for about 48 hours.

24.14 g (90%) of polymer were obtained as yellow fibers.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃): 7.8-6.2 (m, 12.6H, spiro, vinyl, TAD); 4.0-3.3 (2×m, 7.2H, OCH₂); 1.9-0.7 (m, 34.2H, alkyl H, including t-butyl at 1.25). GPC: THF; 1 ml/min, PLgel 10 μm Mixed-B 2×300×7.5 mm², 35° C., RI detection: Mw=830 000 g/mol, Mn=220 000 g/mol.

This polymer had a higher molecular weight than the polymer P35 listed in the table (see below), which had been prepared by the old polymerization method. This also enabled a few property changes to be achieved; some further data:

-   -   Viscosity data: solution (P35*) in anisole/o-xylene (14 g/l):         20.8 mPas (@ 40 s⁻¹); solution (P35*) in tetralin (8 g/l): 15.8         mPas (@40 s⁻¹).     -   EL data: max. eff.: 5.35 Cd/A; 3.8 V @100 Cd/mr²; color: light         blue (CIE-1931: x/y=0.18, 0.25); operating life (@100 Cd/m²):         4000 h.

Further polymers were prepared by methods analogous to those described for P1, P2 and P13. The chemical properties are summarized in the following table. All these polymers were also examined for use in PLEDs. The way in which PLEDs can be produced has been indicated above and is described in more detail in part C. The most important device properties (color, efficiency and life) are also listed in the table.

Electroluminescence*** GPC** Voltage Life at Visco.**** M_(W) M_(N) Max. at 100 100 Gel Polymer Proportion of the monomers in the polymerization [%] (1000 (1000 λ_(max) eff Cd/m² EL Cd/m² temp. (Type)* Monom. 1 Monom. 2 Monom. 3 Monom. 4 g/mol) g/mol) [nm] [Cd/A] [V] color [h] [° C.] P1 (Y) 87.5% S-SY1 12.5% AM1 155 53 465 2.7 4.0 blue 800 <0° C. P2 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-SY1 10% AM1 124 39 463 2.8 4.5 blue 1250 <0° C. P3 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-US1 10% AM1 101 41 465 2.6 4.5 blue 1150 <0° C. P4 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-US2 10% AM1 90 40 470 3.0 4.7 blue 1550 10° C. P5 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-US3 10% AM1 115 45 473 3.2 4.2 blue 2250 <0° C. P6 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-US4 10% AM1 87 36 472 2.8 4.5 blue 1250 <0° C. P7 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-SY3 10% AM1 120 46 467 1.9 5.1 blue 610 10° C. P8 (S)   50% S-SY4   40% S-SY1 10% AM1 110 38 468 1.8 5.3 blue 410 15° C. P9 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-SY1 10% AM2 89 30 470 2.2 5.0 blue 900 <0° C. P10 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-SY1 10% AM3 83 29 465 1.6 5.8 blue 800 <0° C. P11 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-SY1 10% AM1 124 39 463 2.8 4.5 blue 1250 <0° C. P12 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-a 98 48 509 6.8 5.8 green 3000 <0° C. P13 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-b 77 32 516 7.6 4.6 green 4300 <0° C. P14 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-c 99 29 516 5.9 5.8 green 2800 <0° C. P15 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SYI 10% AM1 10% CH-d 110 51 545 6.9 4.7 green- 4000 <0° C. yellow P16 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-e 105 37 527 7.7 3.9 green >5000 <0° C. P17 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-f 120 48 525 6.0 4.9 green 2100 <0° C. P18 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-g 29 10 525 3.1 7.1# green — ~20° C.  P19 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-h 91 29 535 6.7 3.8 green >5000 <0° C. P20 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 20% CH-h 87 36 534 6.1 4.1 green 4000 <0° C. P21 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-i 124 63 553 6.5 4.8 green- 2500 <0° C. yellow P22 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-k 54 20 541 2.2 5.8 green- — ~5° C. yellow P23 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% CH-l 111 54 524 5.9 5.1 green 1800 <0° C. P24 (S)   50% S-SY2   20% S-SY1 20% MX-4 10% CH-b 138 56 516 8.8 3.8 green >5000 <0° C. P25 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% N2S-1 98 37 551 7.1 4.9 green- 1600 <0° C. yellow P26 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1 10% AM1 10% N2O-1 87 39 575 6.2 5.4 yellow 1200 <0° C. Electroluminescence*** GPC** Voltage Life at Visco.**** M_(W) M_(N) Max. at 100 100 Gel Polymer Proportion of the monomers in the polymerization (1000 (1000 λ_(max) eff. Cd/m² EL- Cd/m² temp. (Type)* Monom. 1 Monom. 2 Monom. 3 Monom. 4 g/mol) g/mol) [nm] [Cd/A] [V] Farbe [h] [° C.] P27 (S)   50% S-SY2   10% AM1 35% N2S-1  5% (N2S- 89 40 632 1.5 3.6 red >5000 <0° C. 1)-T2-Br2 P28 (S)   50% S-SY2   10% AM1 35% N2S-1  5% (N2S- 112 45 597 1.6 4.9 red- >5000 <0° C. 1)-T1-Br2 orange P29 (S)   50% S-SY2   10% AM1 35% N2S-1  5% (CH-b)- 56 20 619 1.5 3.5 red >5000 <0° C. T2-Br2 P30 (S)   50% S-SY2   10% AM1 35% N2S-1  5% (CH-b)- 89 45 590 1.9 3.9 red- >5000 <0° C. T1-Br2 orange P31 (S)   50% S-SY2   10% AM1 35% N2S-1  5% (5)- 120 62 560 3.2 4.9 yellow- — <0° C. T2-Br2 orange P32 (S)   50% S-SY2   10% AM1 35% N2S-1  5% (6)- 79 30 575 1.0 6.9 yellow- — <0° C. T2-Br2 orange P33 (S)   50% S-SY2   10% MX-1 35% N2S-1  5% (N2S- 117 48 642 1.9 3.0 red >5000 <0° C. 1)-T2-Br2 P34 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1   10% AM1   10% MX-1 135 53 520 9.8 3.5 green >5000 <0° C. P35 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1   10% AM1   10% MX-2 102 45 475 4.0 4.2 blue- 2100 <0° C. green P36 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1   10% AM1   10% MX-3 65 25 460 2.0 4.4 blue 1200 <0° C. P37 (S)   50% S-SY2   30% S-SY1   10% AM1   10% MX-4 128 60 468 3.2 4.0 blue 2000 <0° C. P38 (S)   50% S-SY2   20% S-SY1   10% AM1   20% MX-4 99 39 468 3.2 3.8 blue 1900 <0° C. P39 (Y)   80% S-SY1   10% AM1   10% MX-4 176 76 466 3.3 4.0 blue 2500 <0° C. P40 (S)   50% S-SY2   20% S-SY1   10% AM1   10% MX-4 112 60 517 10.2 3.0 green >5000 <0° C.   10% CH-b P41 (S)   50% S-SY2   20% S-SY1   10% AM1   10% MX-1 122 62 515 11.2 2.9 green >5000 <0° C.   10% CH-b V1 (S)   50% S-SY2   50% S-SY1 142 62 451 0.1 8.9 blue — <0° C. V2 (S)   50% S-SY2   40% S-SY1   10% MX-1 102 60 518 2.1 9.3 green 100 h <0° C. V3 (S)   50% S-SY2   25% S-SY1   25% MX-1 99 38 523 2.0 9.2 green  80 h <0° C. *S = Prepared by Suzuki polymerization (cf. Ex. P2), Y = prepared by Yamamoto polymerization (cf. Ex. P1) **GPC measurements in THF; 1 ml/min, Plgel 10 μm Mixed-B 2 × 300 × 75 mm², 35° C., RI detection was calibrated against polystyrene ***For preparation of the polymeric LEDs, see part C ****Solutions of the polymer (10 mg/ml) in toluene were heated to 60° C., cooled at 1° C./minute and the viscosity was measured on a Brookfield LVDV-III rheometer (CP-41). At the gel temperature determined in this way, a sharp increase in the viscosity occurred. ^(#)Owing to the poor solubility, the PLEDs were produced from chlorobenzene. Part C: Production and Characterization of LEDs:

LEDs were produced by the general method outlined below. This naturally had to be adapted in each individual case to the particular circumstances (e.g. polymer viscosity and optimal layer thickness of the polymer in the device). The LEDs described below were in each case two-layer systems, i.e. substrate//ITO//PEDOT//polymer//cathode. PEDOT is a polythiophene derivative which can, for example, be procured from BAYER AG as Baytron P™.

General Method of Producing Highly Efficient, Long-life LEDs:

After the ITO-coated substrates (e.g. glass support, PET film) have been cut to the correct size, they are cleaned in a number of cleaning steps in an ultrasonic bath (e.g. soap solution, Millipore water, isopropanol). They are dried by blowing with an N₂ gun and stored in a desiccator. Before coating with the polymer, they are treated in an ozone plasma apparatus for about 20 minutes. A solution of the respective polymer (generally with a concentration of 4-25 mg/ml in, for example, toluene, chlorobenzene, xylene:cyclohexanone (4:1)) is made up and dissolved by stirring at room temperature. Depending on the polymer, it can also be advantageous to stir at 50-70° C. for some time. When the polymer has dissolved completely, the solution is filtered through a 5 μm filter and applied by means of a spin coater at varying speeds (400-6000). The layer thicknesses can in this way be varied in a range from about 50 to 300 nm. The measurements are carried out using a Dektak instrument as described in EP 1029019. A conductive polymer, preferably doped PEDOT or PANI, is usually applied to the (structured) ITO beforehand. Electrodes are then applied to the polymer films. This is generally carried out by thermal vapor deposition (Balzer BA360 or Pfeiffer PL S 500). The transparent ITO electrode is then connected as anode and the metal electrode (e.g. Ba, Yb, Ca) is connected as cathode and the device parameters are determined. The results obtained using the polymers described are summarized in the table in part B. 

1. A conjugated polymer comprising units of the formula (I)

together with one or more units selected from the following groups: group 1: units which significantly increase the hole injection or transport properties of the polymers; group 2: units which significantly increase the electron injection or transport properties of the polymers; group 3: units which comprise combinations of individual units of group 1 and group 2; group 4: units which alter the emission characteristics so that phosphorescence can be obtained instead of fluorescence; wherein X is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case CH, CR¹ or N, Z is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case a single chemical bond, a CR³R⁴ group, a —CR³R⁴—CR³R⁴— group, a —CR³═CR⁴— group, O, S, N—R⁵, C═O, C═CR³R⁴ or SiR³R⁴; R¹ is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain which has from 1 to 22 carbon atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms is optionally replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, O—CO—O, where one or more H atoms is optionally replaced by fluorine, or is an aryl or aryloxy group which has from 5 to 40 carbon atoms and in which one or more carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S or N, which is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹, or is Cl, F, CN, N(R⁵)₂, N(R⁵)₃ ⁺, where two or more radicals R¹ together form a ring system; R² is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain which has from 1 to 22 carbon atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms is optionally replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, O—CO—O, where one or more H atoms is optionally replaced by fluorine, or is an aryl or aryloxy group which has from 5 to 40 carbon atoms and in which one or more carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S or N which is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹, or is CN; R³ and R⁴ are identical or different on each occurrence and are each H, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl chain which has from 1 to 22 carbon atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms is optionally replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, O—CO—O, where one or more H atoms is optionally replaced by fluorine, or are each an aryl group which has from 5 to 40 carbon atoms and in which one or more carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S or N, which is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹, or are each CN; where a plurality of adjacent radicals R³ and/or R⁴ may together also form a ring; R⁵ is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case H, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl chain which has from 1 to 22 carbon atoms and in which one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S, —CO—O—, O—CO—O, where one or more H atoms is optionally replaced by fluorine, or is an aryl group which has from 5 to 40 carbon atoms and in which one or more carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S or N, which is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; m is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case 0, 1, 2, or 3; n is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; with the proviso that repeating units of the formula (I) and units of groups 1 to 4 together make up at least 40% of all repeating units in the polymer and that the ratio of repeating units of the formula (I) to the sum of those of groups 1 to 4 is in the range from 20:1 to 1:2; wherein the units of group 1 are selected from among the units of the formulae (II) to (XIX):

wherein R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵, n, and m are as defined for units of the formula (I); A¹, A², and Ar³ are, identically or differently on each occurrence, aromatic or heteroaromatic hydrocarbons having from 2 to 40 carbon atoms and are optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; and o is 1, 2, or 3; and wherein the units of group 2 are selected from among the units of the formulae (XX) to (XXX):

wherein R¹, m, and n are as defined for units of the formula (I); and p is 0, 1 or
 2. 2. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the units of group 3 are selected from among units of the formulae (XXXI) to (XXXXVI),

where the symbols Ar¹, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, Z and the indices m, n and p are as defined under the formula (I) and o is 1, 2 or 3, and p is 0, 1 or
 2. 3. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, wherein the units of group 4 are selected from among units of the formulae (XXXXVII) to (XXXXX),

where the symbols R¹, R³ and the indices m and n are as defined under the formula (I) and M is Rh or Ir XX corresponds to the point of linkage in the polymer, and YY is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case O, S or Se.
 4. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, which comprises both structural units of the formula (I) and at least two groups selected from groups 1 to
 4. 5. A polymer as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that both structural units of the formula (I) and further units of groups 1 and 2, or 1 and 3, or 1 and 4, or 2 and 3, or 2 and 4, or 3 and 4 are present.
 6. A polymer as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that both structural units of the formula (I) and further structures from groups 1 and 2 and 3, or 1 and 2 and 4, or 2 and 3 and 4 are present.
 7. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, wherein more than one structural unit from a group are simultaneously present.
 8. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, wherein X=C—H or C—R¹.
 9. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, wherein Z represents a single chemical bond.
 10. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, wherein: R¹ is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxy chain having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or is an aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which are also substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; n are identical or different and are each 1 or
 2. 11. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, wherein: R¹ is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxy chain having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or is an aryl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, which are also substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; n are identical or different and are each 1 or
 2. 12. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises at least one additional aromatic or other conjugated structure which does not come under groups 1 to
 4. 13. A polymer as claimed in claim 12, wherein the polymer comprises aromatic structures having from 6 to 40 carbon atoms or stilbene or bisstyrylarylene derivatives which is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹.
 14. A polymer as claimed in claim 12, wherein 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-naphthylene, 1,4- or 9,10-anthracenylene, 1,6- or 2,7- or 4,9-pyrene, 3,9- or 3,10-perylene, 2,7- or 3,6-phenanthrene, 4,4′-biphenylene, 4,4″-terphenylene, 4,4′-bi-1,1′-naphthylene, 4,4′-stilbene or 4,4″-bisstyrylarylene derivatives are incorporated.
 15. A PLED having one or more active layers of which at least one comprises one or more novel polymers as claimed in claim
 1. 16. An electronic component (device) comprising one or more polymers as claimed in claim
 1. 17. An organic integrated circuit (O-IC), organic field effect transistor (OFET), organic thin film transistor (OTFT), organic solar cell (O-SC) or organic laser diode (O-laser), characterized in that it comprises one or more polymers as claimed in claim
 1. 18. A solution comprising one or more polymers as claimed in claim
 1. 19. A polymer as claimed in claim 1, wherein both structural units of the formula (I) and further units of the formulae (II) to (V)

and units of the formulae (XXIV) or (XXVI) to (XXX) are present.
 20. A polymer as claimed in claim 2, wherein o is 1 or 2 and p is 0 or
 1. 21. A conjugated polymer of claim 1, wherein said conjugated polymer consists essentially of units of the formula (I) with the proviso that repeating units of the formula (I) and units of groups 1 to 4 together make up at least 80% of all repeating units in the polymer and that the ratio of repeating units of the formula (I) to the sum of those of groups 1 to 4 is in the range from 20:1 to 1:2 and wherein the units of group 1 are selected from among the units of the formulae (II) to (XIX),

where the symbols R¹, R², R⁴, R⁵ and the indices n and m are as defined under the formula (I) in claim 1 and Ar¹, Ar², Ar³ are identical or different on each occurrence and are aromatic or heteroaromatic hydrocarbons which have from 2 to 40 carbon atoms and is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; o is 1, 2 or 3 and wherein the units of group 2 are selected from among units of the formulae (XX) to (XXX),

where the symbols R¹ and indices m and n are as defined under the formula (I) in claim 1 and p is 0, 1, or 2, and wherein the units of group 3 are selected from among units of the formulae (XXXI) to (XXXXVI),

where the symbols Ar¹, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, Z and the indices m, n and p are as defined under the formula (I) in claim 1 and o is 1, 2 or 3, and p is 0, 1 or 2; and wherein the units of group 4 are selected from among units of the formulae (XXXXVII) to (XXXXX),

where the symbols R¹, R³ and the indices m and n are as defined under the formula (I) and M is Rh or r XX corresponds to the point of linkage in the polymer, and YY is identical or different on each occurrence and is in each case O, S or Se.
 22. A conjugated polymer comprising at least 3 different units, at least one of which is of the formula (I)

and at least one of which is selected from the following groups: group 1: units which significantly increase the hole injection or transport properties of the polymers; group 2: units which significantly increase the electron injection or transport properties of the polymers; group 3: units which comprise combinations of individual units of group 1 and group 2; group 4: units which alter the emission characteristics so that phosphorescence can be obtained instead of fluorescence; wherein X is, identically or differently on each occurrence, CH, CR¹, or N; Z is, identically or differently on each occurrence, a single chemical bond, a CR³R⁴ group, a —CR³R⁴—CR³R⁴ group, a —CR³═CR⁴— group, O, S, N—R⁵, C═O, C═CR³R⁴, or SiR³R⁴; R¹ is, identically or differently on each occurrence, a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain having up to 22 carbon atoms, wherein one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms is optionally replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, or O—CO—O, and wherein one or more H atoms is optionally replaced by fluorine; or is an aryl or aryloxy group having from 5 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein one or more carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S or N, and is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; or is Cl, F, CN, N(R⁵)₂, or N(R⁵)₃ ⁺; and wherein two or more radicals R¹ optionally define a ring system; R² is, identically on each occurrence, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl or alkoxy chain having up to 22 carbon atoms, wherein one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms is optionally replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, or O—CO—O, and wherein one or more H atoms is optionally replaced by fluorine; or is an aryl or aryloxy group having from 5 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein one or more carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S or N and is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; or is CN; R³ and R⁴ are, identically or differently on each occurrence, H, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl chain having up to 22 carbon atoms, wherein one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms is optionally replaced by N—R⁵, O, S, —CO—O—, or O—CO—O, and wherein one or more H atoms is optionally replaced by fluorine; or are each an aryl group having from 5 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein one or more carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S or N, and is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; or are each CN; and wherein a plurality of adjacent radicals R³ and/or R⁴ optionally define a ring; R⁵ it is, identically or differently on each occurrence, H, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl chain having up to 22 carbon atoms, wherein one or more nonadjacent carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S, —CO—O—, or O—CO—O, and wherein one or more H atoms is optionally replaced by fluorine; or is an aryl group having from 5 to 40 carbon atoms, wherein one or more carbon atoms is optionally replaced by O, S or N, and is optionally substituted by one or more nonaromatic radicals R¹; m is, identically or differently on each occurrence, 0, 1, 2, or 3; n is, identically or differently on each occurrence, 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; with the proviso that repeating units of the formula (I) and units of groups 1 to 4 together make up at least 40% of all repeating units in the polymer and that the ratio of repeating units of the formula (I) to the sum of those of groups 1 to 4 is in the range from 20:1 to 1:2. 